Winter is in full swing, and so is cold and flu season. In every crowd, you hear the inevitable coughing, sniffling, and sneezing. Of course, synthetic remedies for cold and flu symptoms are available from the drug store. But, if you prefer a natural approach to treating common winter ailments, here are some remedies for when you're under the weather.

For the common cold, the best treatment is always prevention. To prevent a cold, try the root of the astragalus plant. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine, and studies suggest that it has strong antiviral properties, and it is thought to stimulate the immune system. Astragalus can be most easily found as an extract, tea, or capsule, and is recommended as only a preventative. However, avoid astragalus if you are already sick.

Another natural remedy that has demonstrated effectiveness against colds is garlic. Allicin is the substance that gives garlic its distinctive flavor and is thought to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Eating garlic raw is the best way to get the maximum amount of allicin, but it's definitely not great for your breath! As an alternative, you can add garlic to another cold-remedy standby, chicken soup, or try it in capsule form.

Sore throats are often caused by bacteria and can be cured by gargling with apple cider vinegar. Add vinegar (as much as you can stand) to water and gargle one mouthful per hour. The acidic vinegar kills the bacteria on contact. Or add one teaspoon apple cider vinegar, one teaspoon cayenne pepper, and three tablespoons of clover honey to a glass of warm water, and gargle as often as needed. The vinegar kills bacteria, the pepper helps clear the sinuses, and the honey stimulates your immune system.

Note: Vinegar can ruin the enamel on your teeth, so rinse immediately afterward with water.

Homemade cough syrup can be made by adding three tablespoons of dried thyme to one pint of boiling water. After cooling, add one cup of honey and take one tablespoon every hour as needed.

For a runny nose, add one or two drops of eucalyptus oil to boiling water. Hang a towel over your head and stand with your head about 18 inches above the water. Breathe as deeply as possible.

Keep in mind that no human clinical trials have been conducted with many natural remedies. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.